Holy Orders

The Church is the Body of Christ and shares in his priesthood. But beyond this "common priesthood of the faithful," there is the special or "ministerial" priesthood that certain members of the Church receive through the sacrament of Holy Orders. Priests share in Christ’s ministry by preaching his gospel and offering the Eucharistic sacrifice in the name of all. They baptize, heal, forgive sin in the sacrament of penance, anoint the sick, and act as the Church’s witness in the sacrament of matrimony.Deacons also have a special sharing in the sacrament of holy orders. Permanent deacons, working under the authority of the local bishop, serve the people of God at the direction of priests in parishes. Ordained deacons may be married or unmarried members of the Church. The diaconate is a ministry of service combining liturgical and pastoral service in the community. If you feel a call to the priesthood or the deaconate contact our priests or deacons at Holy Family or the Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of New York E-Mail: vocations@archny.org